It’s Earth Day, a reminder to celebrate and support clean air, land, and water. At Friends of Casco Bay, we like to say that every day is Earth Day.
We are frequently invited to join new partnerships and initiatives across the watershed and state. While we can’t be part of every effort, we deeply value the growing waves of community-led action for our environment. In honor of Earth Day, we are shining a light on some of the important work happening around the Bay that we have not been able to be a part of, but are appreciative of, nonetheless.
From grassroots advocates to municipal leaders, these folks are making a difference:
Brunswick Area Citizens for a Safe Environment has spent more than 30 years keeping the public informed about toxic waste cleanup at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station. This all-volunteer nonprofit advocates for strong cleanup measures and provides community input to the Navy, EPA, and Maine DEP as the Superfund remediation and redevelopment of the site continue.
Resilient Yards is a project by the City of South Portland to help homeowners and businesses replace lawns with native gardens. These yards reduce nitrogen, pesticides, and other pollutants flowing into Casco Bay—while creating beautiful habitat.
Mainers for Smarter Transportation recently won a major victory by convincing the Maine Turnpike Authority to halt a proposed highway expansion in Greater Portland. The project would have increased pollution and destroyed a historic farm. This grassroots coalition continues to advocate for cleaner, more sustainable transportation alternatives.
Portland Cruise Control is a citizen group studying the impacts of cruise tourism. They’re asking tough questions and exploring sustainable solutions for the city and the Bay.
Portland Protectors is a group of residents dedicated to protecting bees, trees, nature, and people from toxic pesticides. This winter, they won a victory for public health and the environment by keeping Portland’s lawn ordinance from being rolled back.
Toss the Tanks is a group of South Portland residents encouraging city officials and tank farm owners to reimagine the future of a 100-acre petroleum storage site. They are hosting a community forum on Thursday, April 24, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.—consider joining the conversation.
Know of another effort helping protect clean water and healthy communities? We’d love to hear about it—drop us a line!
To all the individuals, volunteers, and organizations working for clean air, land, and water around Casco Bay: thank you!
